Madison, James

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4th president of the USA 1809–17. In 1787 he became a member of the Philadelphia Constitutional Convention and took a leading part in drawing up the US Constitution, earning him the title ‘Father of the Constitution’. He was determined that the government was to be composed of three divisions: legislative, executive (administrative), and judicial. In the struggle between the more democratic views of Thomas Jefferson and the aristocratic, upper-class sentiments of Alexander Hamilton, he allied himself firmly with Jefferson. As secretary of state in Jefferson's government 1801–09, Madison completed the Louisiana Purchase negotiated by James Monroe. During his period of office the War of 1812 with Britain took place.

During his presidential administration, the nation was unprepared for the War of 1812, and there were threats of secession by New England states. Although the War of 1812 ended in stalemate, Madison's fortunes rose with the national expansion that followed.

Yellow stands for grain and freedom from need. Green symbolizes the forests and hope. Red represents bloodshed and courage. Effective date: 20 March 1989. >>